Super Sneaky Steve
New member
I almost didn't cut her. She was in much better shape than my Vaquero but accuracy still wasn't what I desired. As you can see some metal was removed and she's a true .4525 in each hole now.
Blackhawk surgery went well
- Thread starter Super Sneaky Steve
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I got 3 to do (Blackhawk, Redhawk & Vaquero) Be sure to let us know how well she shoots now.Super Sneaky Steve
New member
I'm happy to report it shoots way better. Maybe someday Ruger will learn how to build them this way from the factory.
With my vaquero I was getting weird blobs of bullet lube on the target. What I think was happening was the bullet was getting swaged down so much that it squeezed the lube out as it exited the cylinder then it was shot out behind the bullet.
For the blackhawk it went from being on a paper plate to grouping the size of a fist. A 50% improvement I'd say. I've got pictures but they will have to wait.
With my vaquero I was getting weird blobs of bullet lube on the target. What I think was happening was the bullet was getting swaged down so much that it squeezed the lube out as it exited the cylinder then it was shot out behind the bullet.
For the blackhawk it went from being on a paper plate to grouping the size of a fist. A 50% improvement I'd say. I've got pictures but they will have to wait.
Super Sneaky Steve
New member
Yup, got everything from Brownells. I would highly recommend getting the pilot kit. It comes with a bunch of different sizes so you can find the best fit for each hole, and they most likely will be all a little different.
If your pilot is snug then it's hard to mess up. Just be very generous with the drill-do and give it steady pressure.
I will say the T-handle I bought didn't work. That's why I have that chuck. I didn't mount it to a drill, I just used my hands but the chuck held the bit tight.
I made a few videos when I did my Vaquero
http://youtu.be/FTb9cNKNavQ
http://youtu.be/V9ySs13OinA
You know you can't own just one .45 revolver. If you ream two then it's paid for itself. You also get the satisfaction of learning a new skill and remember no one treats your stuff as good as you do.
If your pilot is snug then it's hard to mess up. Just be very generous with the drill-do and give it steady pressure.
I will say the T-handle I bought didn't work. That's why I have that chuck. I didn't mount it to a drill, I just used my hands but the chuck held the bit tight.
I made a few videos when I did my Vaquero
http://youtu.be/FTb9cNKNavQ
http://youtu.be/V9ySs13OinA
You know you can't own just one .45 revolver. If you ream two then it's paid for itself. You also get the satisfaction of learning a new skill and remember no one treats your stuff as good as you do.
Redhawk5.5+P+
New member
Have you fire lapped the barrel?
Super Sneaky Steve
New member
I haven't fire lapped the barrel. The accuracy now is good so I don't find a need for it.
Budda, I don't know if your gun needs it or not, but you can try sticking an unloaded bullet in your cylinder, if it fits then you should be good, if not you can find a reamer for just about any caliber.
I hear Ruger does better with their .44's.
Budda, I don't know if your gun needs it or not, but you can try sticking an unloaded bullet in your cylinder, if it fits then you should be good, if not you can find a reamer for just about any caliber.
I hear Ruger does better with their .44's.
Boy that looks familiar! I've had to do that with every Ruger 45 Colt that I have, and I have a few! I makes a big difference when shooting cast bullets. I have a Redhawk 7.5" in 45 Colt coming in next week and I am sure I will need to do the same with that.
Ruger does get the 44's right. The only one I've had that was slightly tight was one of the recent SBH's that Talo had run with the 3.75" barrel.
Ruger does get the 44's right. The only one I've had that was slightly tight was one of the recent SBH's that Talo had run with the 3.75" barrel.